The Original Santa Claus Lives in Rovaniemi on the Arctic Circle. In the heart of Finnish Lapland, where snow blankets the forests and the Arctic sky shimmers with the Northern Lights, there lies a place where Christmas magic lives year-round. This enchanting place is Rovaniemi, the official hometown of the original Santa Claus, or as he is known in Finnish, Joulupukki. Nestled directly on the Arctic Circle, Rovaniemi is more than just a stop on the map—it’s a world where holiday wonder and Arctic beauty come together in perfect harmony.
Santa Claus Village: The Home of Christmas Magic
Every day of the year, visitors to Rovaniemi make their way to Santa Claus Village, an iconic destination just a short 8 kilometers from the town center. Here, the spirit of Christmas is alive all year long. The village welcomes over half a million visitors annually, each one eager to meet Santa Claus, cross the Arctic Circle, and step into a world of joy and wonder.
The heart of Santa Claus Village is Santa’s Office, where the man in red spends his days meeting guests from all over the world. His cozy office is adorned with festive decorations, and when you meet him, you’ll feel like you’re stepping right into a holiday storybook. Santa listens to wishes, poses for photos, and spreads a little extra cheer to everyone he meets. There’s no better place to experience the warmth and magic of Christmas, no matter what time of year you visit.
What Does Santa Claus Do in the Winter?
Winter in Rovaniemi is Santa Claus’s busiest and most magical season. As the snow falls and the town transforms into a real-life winter wonderland, Santa and his helpers are hard at work ensuring Christmas is celebrated with joy around the world.
Meeting Visitors and Spreading Joy
From November through January, the village sees thousands of visitors daily. Santa greets families, listens to children’s wishes, and takes photos with travelers from every corner of the globe. Each day is filled with laughter, excitement, and a bit of Christmas magic.
Managing the Elves and Toy Preparation
In his secret workshops, Santa’s elves are busy crafting toys and wrapping presents. Although the actual workshop is a closely guarded secret, stories tell of countless elves working tirelessly in hidden corners of Lapland to create the perfect gifts for children everywhere. Santa oversees all this activity, checking his famous list to make sure everything is on track.
Sleigh Rides and Reindeer Training
A highlight of Santa’s winter schedule is preparing for his annual Christmas Eve journey. This involves training and caring for his reindeer, especially Rudolph, who leads the team on foggy nights. Visitors can experience a bit of this preparation themselves with reindeer sleigh rides through the snowy forests of Santa Claus Village, hearing the gentle jingle of bells and soaking in the beauty of the Lapland wilderness.
What Does Santa Claus Do in the Summer?
When the snow melts and the Midnight Sun casts its golden light across Lapland, Santa Claus takes on a slightly different but equally enchanting routine. Santa Claus Village remains open, and visitors from all over the world still come to meet him. Despite the warmer temperatures, the spirit of Christmas remains strong.
Greeting Summer Visitors
Santa spends his summer days just as he does in winter, welcoming travelers with a warm smile and listening to their wishes. The difference is the backdrop—lush green forests and the soft light of the Arctic summer sun replace the snow, giving the village a different but equally magical atmosphere. Santa’s office is still buzzing with joy, as families explore the village and children share their Christmas wishes in person.
Summer Celebrations and Events
Santa also loves to celebrate the beauty of Lapland’s summer. He participates in events that showcase the region’s rich culture and traditions. The Midnight Sun brings with it festivities and gatherings, where visitors and locals can experience traditional Lappish music, food, and customs. You might even catch Santa taking a stroll through the forests or enjoying a boat ride on the serene rivers near Rovaniemi.
Planning for the Next Christmas
During the summer, Santa has more time to relax and reflect on the past holiday season. He spends time reviewing letters and wish lists from around the world, brainstorming ideas with his elves, and updating the infamous “naughty and nice” list. Though Christmas is his busiest season, Santa never stops preparing for it—even in the heart of summer.
Santa’s Post Office: The Hub of Holiday Magic
One of the most delightful places to visit in Santa Claus Village is Santa’s Main Post Office. Here, elves sort and read letters from children across the globe. Each year, Santa receives more than 500,000 letters from nearly 200 different countries, making it a truly international experience. Visitors can explore this cozy post office, write their own letter to Santa, and even send postcards with a special Santa Claus stamp. And if you plan ahead, you can arrange for a Christmas card from Santa himself to be delivered to your home just in time for the holidays.
Crossing the Arctic Circle: A Symbolic Journey
Santa Claus Village sits directly on the Arctic Circle, a geographical line that runs around the Earth at approximately 66°33’ North. In the village, the Arctic Circle is marked by a visible white line that visitors can cross—a symbolic journey into the Arctic and a unique memory to take home. After crossing, many guests pick up an official Arctic Circle certificate to commemorate their adventure.
Meet Santa’s Reindeer and Take a Ride
Santa’s faithful reindeer also call Rovaniemi home. These gentle creatures are an essential part of the Lapland experience, and visitors can learn about their care and importance in local culture. Take a reindeer sleigh ride and feel the connection to ancient Arctic traditions, with the soft crunch of snow beneath the runners and the quiet calm of the surrounding wilderness. Even in summer, visitors can meet the reindeer and hear tales of their role in Lapland’s folklore and Christmas legend.
Why Rovaniemi?
Rovaniemi is not just a destination—it’s a storybook setting where you can live the magic of Christmas all year long. From meeting the original Santa Claus in Santa Claus Village to crossing the Arctic Circle and exploring the natural wonders of Lapland, this is a place where the festive spirit knows no season.
For visitors of all ages, there’s a sense of wonder and warmth that fills the air in Rovaniemi. Whether you come during the twinkling, snow-filled nights of winter or under the endless light of the Arctic summer, you’ll find a world that invites you to dream, believe, and celebrate. So, pack your bags and prepare for a journey like no other—because the original Santa Claus is waiting to welcome you to his magical home in Rovaniemi!
